Do You Check Blood Sugar Over or Under the Dining Table?

There are many opportunities for checking blood sugar at a dining table. People with diabetes often check blood sugar before eating and this can mean we to decide if we’re going to check blood sugar on the table or on our lap.

Different people do different things based on their personal feelings and circumstances. Here are some reasons why each side does what they do. Which do you do most often and why?

Reasons for Checking Over the Table

It’s more convenient. Having your glucometer or other supplies roll off your lap onto a dirty floor is not appealing.

It normalizes people with diabetes and the blood sugar checking they must do to stay healthy.

There is better light over the table versus under it. No one wants to risk putting insufficient blood in a strip.

To avoid feeling like there is something to be ashamed about or something that needs to be hidden.

Diabetes isn’t contagious so there isn’t anything wrong with checking over a dining table, say, at a restaurant.

Reasons for Checking Under the Table (or on lap)

In a public place, checking under the table may be more socially acceptable and polite (as well as using something to sterilize our finger afterward) because the reality is that blood is a potential biohazard.

In the rare case one squeezes too hard and blood squirts out–having that happen below a table top would be ideal.

To avoid drawing attention to oneself.

To try to avoid anyone seeing blood sugar result.

To be respectful of those who might be genuinely sensitive to the sight of blood or needles.

Both sides have very valid reasons of their own and what works best is everyone taking into account their personal circumstances and doing what is best for them.

Obviously, “do no harm” is crucial to a civilized world and if anyone with diabetes does have (or thinks they could have) an infectious disease, they should take all the necessary precautions to protect others–but that’s a given.

In most cases, it’s about what is best for the individual. What’s best for you?

Sysy Morales has lived with type 1 diabetes for 23 years. She also blogs at The Girls Guide to Diabetes, is a motivational speaker, and is a graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sysy lives in Virginia with her husband and 8 year old twins.